sweat test

sweat test A simple test that is used to evaluate a patient who is suspected of having cystic fibrosis (CF). The goal of the test is to painlessly stimulate the patient’s skin to produce a certain amount of sweat, which may then be absorbed by a special filter paper and analyzed for chloride content. In a technique called iontophoresis, a minute, painless electric current is applied to the forearm or back, allowing penetration of a medication that maximizes sweat stimulation. Elevated chloride values are characteristic of cystic fibrosis. A few rare conditions that produce a false positive test include diseases of adrenal, thyroid, or pituitary glands; rare lipid storage diseases; and infection of the pancreas. Also known as sweat chloride test. See also cystic fibrosis.